Bicycle commuters get new options to do westside trips on MAX

TriMet will make it easier for bicycle commuters who also use light rail on the west side of Portland, by improving bike parking at MAX stations on both sides of the Robertson Tunnel under the West Hills.

The regional transit agency will add covered, secure bike parking at the Beaverton Creek MAX station, along with a new trail crossing to better connect commuters to nearby jobs at Nike and other employers.

TriMet also will add bike parking at its Goose Hollow/Southwest Jefferson Street MAX station. Some bike riders board light rail trains at the station to avoid pedaling up the West Hills and Washington Park.

Combined, the two projects cost $1.9 million, with $1.5 million coming from a newly awarded ConnectOregon state grant. Washington County is chipping in $250,000 and TriMet will cover the remaining $150,000 in costs, according to agency spokeswoman Mary Fetsch.

The enhanced bike parking should give bicyclists an alternative to bringing their bikes aboard crowded MAX trains, enabling more people to use transit and bikes for their daily trips. With limited space on MAX, especially during peak periods, these investments will help with first- and last-mile connections, says Jeff Owen, TriMets active transportation planner.

The transit agency also is making smaller improvements to its bike racks, lockers and other parking facilities at several other MAX stations this summer: at Northeast 82nd Avenue; Gateway/Northeast 99th Avenue Transit Center; East 122nd Avenue; Gresham City Hall; Gresham Central Transit Center; Oregon City Transit Center; Beaverton Creek; Quatama/Northwest 205th Avenue and Providence Park.

Steve Law can reached at 503-546-5139 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..